“I can tell you that at the end of the day I think it’s really simple. We’re two people who are really happy and in love,” the Suits actress, 36, told the publication.

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“We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people’s perception,” she continued. “Nothing about me changed. I’m still the same person that I am, and I’ve never defined myself by my relationship.”

Us Weekly confirmed in October 2016 that Markle and Prince Harry, 32, are dating. The following month, the royal publicly defended her in a statement against “racist and sexist” trolls.

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“It has its challenges, and it comes in waves — some days it can feel more challenging than others,” Markle told VF. “And right out of the gate it was surprising the way things changed. But I still have this support system all around me, and, of course, my boyfriend’s support. I don’t read any press. I haven’t even read press for Suits. The people who are close to me anchor me in knowing who I am. The rest is noise.”

She added: “We’re a couple. We’re in love. I’m sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.”